As stated numerous times in my main blog, our first 2 months of TTC (trying to conceive) after my miscarriage were unsuccessful. It was only by using online resources such as Fertility Friend and the wonderful community at BabyCenter that I was able to become more in-tune with my body and become informed on practically everything there is to know about the wonderful world of TTC.
(And if you recall, I received several comments about my needing to chill out and just letting it happen. To those people, I am tempted to NA-NA-NA-NA-NAAA in their faces. It was only through charting that I discovered I was ovulating late. And it was only through research that I was able to optimize our chances of conception. SO THERE.)
One of the things I learned in my research was that while there exists a plethora of pregnancy tests on the market, some are preferred over others, as illustrated in Top 3 Home Pregnancy Test Tips posted on my main blog.
And as stated in Tip #2, there is a big difference between First Response Early Result (FRER) and First Response Rapid Result.
I got my BFP (big fat positive) yesterday using a FRER. I made a call to the OB right away, but they said that all they can do at this point is to confirm the pregnancy; I may want to wait a few more weeks until my first appointment.
So in the meantime, I decided to test myself on the FRER every few days (since hCG levels double every 2-3 days and more hCG = darker line). I bought a pack through Amazon, and lord and behold — it arrived today! (Thank you Amazon Prime!)
Then I noticed something on the box.
It said First Response Rapid Result.
I didn’t even know there was a difference!
I quickly looked up its sensitivity level on the web, and sure enough it wasn’t very sensitive.
50-100mIU, to be exact.
FRICK.
Do I wait longer to take my first test? When I take it Saturday (as I had originally planned on doing), will the line be lighter than it was yesterday, prompting me to worry that my hCG levels are dropping and thus will lead to a miscarriage?
I decided to heck with it and peed on the damn test today.
You can’t really tell from this picture, today’s test shows a darker positive line than yesterday’s. In addition, today’s test wasn’t a FMU (first morning urine) which usually contains the most amount of hCG!
Do you know what that means?
I am definitely pregnant, and my hCG levels are rising nicely!
***end crazy pregnany lady’s freak-out***
I like books, gadgets, spicy food, and art. I dislike shopping, hot weather, and the laws of entropy. Although I am a self-proclaimed computer nerd, I still have a love for handbags and makeup... and I am always teetering on high heels. To learn more about me, visit the 
I know my case was different, as I wasn’t pregnant after a loss, but I was pregnant after a year, which also screws with your head. Anyway, I literally peed on tests every single day until my doctor’s appointment. All sorts, dollar, FRER, Digitals, Rite-Aid brands. I also continued to do it for the first three months. And I still have them. Hahaha. I’m gross.
hello, funny that you’re tests look like my test. I used the same brand name and my positive line was faint as well. weird! makes you wonder if it’s a brand thing, good luck with your pregnancy. i tested on 1-31 and so i am due around the same time you are 😉 i love reading that we are going thru the same thing.
I think charting is super super important if you’re either trying to get pregnant or using the Fertility Awareness Method as birth control. I use charting as birth control and without it, I would most likely be pregnant by now. You know how the average day women ovulate is the 14th day of their cycle? Mine is the 21st!! If I was just using just the Rhythm/Calendar method, I’d think I was "safe" right when I was ovulating!! Which would be fine if we were really ready for a baby. At the moment, we’d welcome a baby with open arms, but I’d freak out a little bit still.
I am so so so excited for you! I know that I don’t actually know you, but I followed you on WeddingBee and I really love your blog. Best wishes!!!! If God watches over the lilies of the field and cares for the sparrow, he will surely care for you and your children, the both of them.
Hey Jenny,
I know this post is super old by now, but how long did you wait before you tested? I have been using the Early Response but so far there has been no positive response. The packaging claims it can detect a result as early as 6 days before a missed period. Some of the info that I have been reading out there is just confusing. I'm day 27 right now. My cycle is anywhere from 28 to 35 which is painful!!! Lately it's been around 29 days (when I'm not stressed out) so I hope to see something when I test again tomorrow. I have an appt with the OBGYN tomorrow night too for a "infertility consultation". bleh
By the way, I feel so honored you found out you were pregnant on my birthday!!!! 1-27.